August 05 2017 by Kimberly Homan

Sunscreen is proven to reduce the risk of sun burns and skin cancer which can be caused by over-exposure to the sun’s UV rays.

Interestingly, the protection provided by sunblock sprays and lotions starts at the nano-level. Most sunscreen formulations have titanium dioxide (TiO2) and/or zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles embedded in their lotions. These particles range from 10’s to 100’s of nanometers in diameter. They provide broad protection by forming a “physical” barrier against the sun. Upon contact with the sun’s rays, the nanoparticles reflect and scatter away the light, drastically reducing the percent of those rays that make it to your skin.

There is more to sunscreen than meets the eye. What you can't see are tiny nanoparticles that absorb and reflect lightwaves to keep your skin safe.

Next time you apply your sunscreen remember, nanoparticles 10 to 15 times smaller than a red blood cell are to thank for creating a reflective wall on your skin.